Journey to Earth

The journey back from Mirror Lake was uneventful. As me and the group emerged from the water all of us were aching from the amount of partying each of us did. And me all the fucking I did. We sat on the shoreline to give our clothes a moment to dry so the journey back to the castle won't be entirely uncomfortable. While the group lounged and relaxed on back of the Otomo Ox, Jabaria. I was sitting in silence with the reins held in my hand, and that silence gave me a chance to think.

Only now did I consider everything that was going to happen in the next few days. The first time I've been on the actual earth in I don't know how long. I wasn't sure what to expect. From the world, from the U.S. government, from me. Once again, the coming days look to have my peace and quiet hanging in the balance. I was to, basically, be the ambassador for my island. I thought I was done with this shit, but again, this shit wasn't normal for people on the ground so I can understand their questions I just wish that everyone would leave me the fuck alone.

Regardless of my feelings for this whole situation, I was going to sit before a bunch of people and get asked heaps of personal questions about a place that didn't exist, and a history that never happened. But I had time to prepare and I would have to spend an all-nighter preparing for whatever fate decides to bring.

I decided to be courteous and deliver the good doctor to the encampment at the edge of the island and let her ride back to earth be on their time. I was being polite, while also giving myself some privacy to start making certain preparations.

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Before I knew two days passed and it was the morning of our discontent. I woke up early to make any last minute arrangements, cover all my bases, and make sure nobody tries to pull something while I'm away. I went around the castle and farmlands to find each of the guardian moons to not drop their guard, especially if the soldiers at the encampment start edging closer to the castle that they would inform me first before doing anything hasty. Placing defense over offense. This gave me a chance to put that space Lacey stumbled on before to good use, and give it a purpose.

Going into the deeper parts of the castle, down the steps where Me, Lacey, and the newest of the Guardian Moons, Doma. I of course wasn't technically there with them, being invisible at the time. But still. I sat there and began sketching and writing.

Vaalha: The most sacred ground for the Monkhood of the fist. A great glowing willow tree that holds within it the souls of every single brother and sister that perished in the name of peace. Now it is all that remains of the monks besides the ever lonely Muzashi Oniwa. Whoe carries the hopes and dreams of his fallen brothers and sisters. Vaalha also has the power to create a magic shield that encompasses Sunrise castle and surrounding farmlands, a final means of protection should all else fail and the lives and history of the order are at risk.

I closed the notebook and finally opened the door and entered a grand sanctum with the spirit tree Vaalha in the absolute center. The air was filled with the whispers of the dead. With this final trump card I knew that my home was safe.

As the hours ticked by I decided that out not wanting to be alone down there I would have someone accompany me to the hearing. Fukushima is way too horny for the mean streets of washington, Shizu is too timid and probably won't fit in the helicopter, Hino is a dog and also won't fit in the helicopter, Onimusha is out of the question, which leaves the only and best option for this situation. The enchantress herself though I would have to do something about her attire. I would love to bring a beautiful lady dressed up in a torn up dress thats barely holding together, just waiting for those beautiful breasts to spring free. But it's not suitable for the U.S. Congress.

I spent some time making formal attire not just for Doma but also for me. I changed her dress, for the time being, to something fashionable yet practical. A simple bareback dress, with a line of white fur around her shoulders and a descent skirt length that showed a proper amount of leg, her legs wrapped in a flexible kind of armor in case I needed to defend myself. She would be both stunning and deadly.

Then came my clothes for the trip. I wanted to keep the blue aesthetic I've kept up for a while but wanted something more extravagant. I added a little just for some pizazz.

(Muzahi's Formal Robes/Imagine it was purple and blue) [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32356453421.html]

Before I knew it I was wearing the softest robes. Like I was swaddled in a cocoon of cloud candy. It's marvelous. Soon Doma came in, wearing her new formal attire to inform me of the approaching helicopter in the distance from Shizu's owl. And it was much louder and seemingly much bigger than previous choppers before. Well, I thought, the time has come. I said my goodbyes to the servants and remaining Guardians and made my way outside where the helicopter was growing bigger the closer it got. It was then I realized that it was one of those double rotor helicopters.

(The Chopper) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_CH-47_Chinook#/media/File:CH-47_Chinook_helicopter_flyby.jpg]

It made a big noise as it slowly settled fifty feet away from where me and Doma were waiting. Once the wheels finally landed on the ground I rolled my eyes at who was the one to step off the opening, followed close behind by two soldiers.

"Agent Scofield," I greeted, "Welcome back."

"Good to be back, sir. Are you all set for your trip?"

"I am, and I must say that I'm quite eager to see your land for myself."

"And who is this beautiful creature," gesturing to Doma.

"Ah, of course. This is Doma, one of my Guardian Moons. I'm sure Lacey has told you about them."

"Indeed she has, to a great degree." Luke replied.

"Now, please understand I wouldn't do this if my followers weren't so stubborn, but I would ask you to allow Doma to accompany me to the hearing."

"That's not possible, we scheduled only for one person to speak at the hearing."

"I will not be speaking!" Doma announced, "I will be protecting my master from harm."

"I-I've heard of dignitaries bringing bodyguards to protect them from any and all harm. This shouldn't be that much different, yes?"

"Well I, I suppose it would be alright. Is there nothing I can do to assure your safety?"

"Oh do, do not understand, I am fully assured of safe conduct for our time together, but it's not me that needs convincing. And with all due respect, that's not likely to happen."

After a moment of self deliberation, Luke allowed both me and Doma to climb aboard the helicopter and take our seats in the front of the chopper, right next to the door with Luke and his soldiers accompanying him. And so we departed Eden Sky and descended into the sea of clouds. Immediately I was greeted with a sight I hadn't seen in so long. A perfect aerial view of Washington. It felt so alien to see my home state.

"What your looking at is a state called Washington," Lacey announced "One of the fifty united states."

I feigned amazement at the sound of fifty states. "Fifty States!?" I gasped, "All united under one banner? Extraordinary!"

"Do you have states where you're from?"

"Many to be sure, but none united, and surely not as big as this. Most were just cities that laid claim to spots of land, others were small republics no bigger than a few hundred acres. Their were so many that none could name them all. In fact no one bothered counting them to begin with." I sat in silence for a while, thinking back to my notes for what to say next before deciding on one of these fictional states to discuss. "Their was one such place that I grew quite attached to in my travels. It was called Verbert. I stumbled upon it during the dead of winter. They were a strange bunch the Verbertites, so set in their ways that they rejected any missionary's that came to turn them from their traditions. But when you really got to know them, when the snows start really falling, sitting around the fireplace with warm bowls of lamb stew, their was no one you would rather spend your time with. I wonder how they are fairing after all this time?"

Everyone in the chopper grew quiet. I could imagine what they were thinking. And I hoped that it would reflect well on whatever is going to happen in the next few hours. And then, Luke suddenly looked out the window and spoke to all of us.

"Everyone! We're here!"

I looked back out the window to see an Air **** base. The usual giant landing strip, numerous aircraft hangers, the works. "Welcome to Bolling Air **** Base, Muzashi."

The chopper landed on an empty piece of the tarmac beside from a single army green jeep sat. With two people waiting inside. One appeared to be a driver, but the other was standing in the back seat watching us land in a what looked like an officers uniform. Once the landing gear touched the Tarmac, Luke was the first one out, rushing past us before anyone stood up. It looks like someone has something to prove.

The rest of us followed after Luke, though at a much more reasonable pace and we are greeted by the physical incarnation of a military man. Brown hair, buzz-cut, hat under his arm, three stars on his uniform and one soup strainer of a mustache on his face. We approached and he gave a firm handshake to everyone present.

"Good afternoon and welcome to Bolling Air **** Base. I'm General Marcus Taft and I've been assigned to be your official escort for the duration of your time with us. If you'll follow me to the main building you can rest and recuperate after your long journey."

I bowed my head in agreement and followed the general to the jeep. As we approached the soldier driving started the engine, and waited for everyone to take their seat before driving off past all the hangars. Throughout the drive, I pretended not to notice the driver looking into the rear view mirror from time to time directly at me and Doma. What he could be thinking right now must have been fascinating.

We soon reached the main building and were led inside by the general, but I knew Doma looked back at the driver and I heard a quick giggle from her lips. I assume he was trying to get one last look and was caught peeping. We were all led to what I assumed was the generals office. It was massive with a wide desk on one side and a seating area taking up the rest. "Please make yourselves comfortable. The hearing won't be starting for a couple of hours. If you require anything please let my secretary just outside. I'll be with you again shortly. Agent Scofield, please come with me."

I decided to spend my time meditating. I sat cross legged on the floor, placed my hands together and closed my eyes. For a good thirty minutes I sat there in silence, when I started hearing Lacey have a conversation.

"Are you excited?"

"Hmm." Doma replied.

"Do you... want to try a mint?"

"No thanks."

Lacey sighed, but what came next I didn't expect. She leaned close to Doma and whispered something.

"You don't have to whisper. My master can't hear anything when he's meditating."

"How exactly did you meet, Muzashi?"

Doma paused for a moment.

"In the past, I was part of a great and influential line of Magic Users. Our powers spread throughout the land. My talents lied in healing, though one could say I was far beyond what was considered normal. People from around the world came to my families estate with their incurable diseases or crippled children. They all left on their own to feet, I healed whatever ailed them with the ease one might wave their hand. Over time we grew so rich all other endeavors were abandoned for my single talent. I would learn too late that my powers were the only source of income. But I did learn that a cage with no bars is the worst kind of prison. I was kept under lock and key in the tallest tower, like a princess from a fairy tale. I was kept away for so long I forgot what the sun looked like. The conditions became worse with every passing day. So it was fortuitous that the day I decided to take my own life, my knight in shining armor came to my rescue. Right through the three foot thick wall of my tower."

"Muzashi?"

"Uh-huh. He apologized so many times in that moment, I felt the urge to laugh for the first time in so long. For the first time felt the sun, I felt joy, I felt... alive. I still remember what he said to me. 'Want to go on an adventure?' And the rest is history"

"Wow." Lacey exclaimed. "What a story."

"Yes its almost like a fairy tale, doesn't it. I used to think what my life would be like if I never met him."

I felt Doma's eyes on me and resisted the urge to smile.

"If you'll allow me to ask another question. I wanted to ask...why...you. Kissed me?"

Oh this is gonna be good.

"Healing is not the only ability I possess, the other is rather unique in its application. I am able to divine ones intent, be it noble or nefarious, by kissing them. I did this to you because I found in an area of the castle that is restricted to all on the island apart from the guardian moons and Muzashi himself. And I needed to find out what brought you there."

Lacey tried to respond but only stutters went past her lips.

"You don't need to panic, Miss. I know the reason was pure curiosity. Believe me, if your intentions were beyond that I would have done something other than walk away. You want to know whats beyond that door don't you?"

"Yes. The minute I saw it, it piqued my interest. But to be honest it wasn't only curiosity. I needed to be sure I could trust Muzashi completely. And so, I explored the castle to make sure he wasn't hiding anything that could..."

"Harm you." Doma finished.

"Yes."

"You should know though, my master knew from the beginning you went down to those levels."

"He did!?"

"Yes. Nothing happens in Eden Sky without him knowing."

"Then why didn't he stop me? Why not kick us out then and there?"

"Because he wanted to build friendship with you and your government. He's not the kind of person to lie to people. Everything he's done in the present and past have been for peace. Not just his own, but everyone. It's that drive that first drew me to him. And I'm sure the other Guardians would tell you a similar story. And why he is the way he is, is related to what he keeps behind those doors. The thing he loves the most. Something he has carried through all the years with tired calloused hands. It's a heavy burden he happily carries. For it is his eternal promise."

Suddenly, the office doors opened and the generals secretary entered to inform everyone that it was time to depart for the hearing. Everybody got up from their seat and I slowly opened my eyes.

"Lets begin then." I confidently announced.